Happiness is long life, riches, and honor

Proverbs 3:15-17

15 She (Wisdom) is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.

This is one of many places where we read that keeping God's commands leads to happiness and long life. I have heard many argue that this just cannot be, and that God's commandments just aren't fitting for our society today. This however is just not true, following God always leads to a peace that passes all understanding.

Let's look at three things that we all want to enjoy, drinking, sex, and money.

Drinking

Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding. At the last supper he passes wine to the disciples and drinks some with them. He speaks in a parable about keeping wine in old skins and new skins. Jesus was certainly no stranger to this alcoholic beverage.

Although he drank wine while on earth we have no records of him going out to get drunk, nor of him being found drunk at the many parties and places he went to. He perfectly enjoyed a good drink without losing himself to the drink. He knew the proverb that says not to look on the wine while it is thick and red, and the commandment not to be drunk, but instead to enjoy all things in moderation (Proverbs 23:30-32; Ephesians 5:17-19; 1 Corinthians 6:11-13).

The Bible does not forbid us from having a drink or two, or even one glass of wine with dinner. A good wine with dinner can make a very enjoyable combination. A deep red wine with a good steak, or a nice white wine with a plate of fresh pasta. Just the thought makes me hungry. These things are great together, and God has made us to enjoy the tast of these combinations on our tongues. Not only that, but he made the grapes, cow, and wheat and told us to eat them.

This does not mean though that we should go out and drink away at the newest bar. Why? because losing ourselves to the wine (beer) will lead us to do things we would not otherwise have done. If you have ever been drunk, or around somebody who has, then you know what I am talking about. "Remeber that time we were drunk and we...." "I don't really remember, all I know was I went to the party and the next morning I woke up over there". But what happened in between? Did you crash the car? Sleep with someone you didn't know? Lose your temper? Get in a fight? The list goes on.

Sex

If you have ever read the Old Testament, you know that the Bible has a lot to say about sex. In some cases it gives graphic details. But, the Bible gives us some clear teachings about when we are supposed to partake of this pleasurable activity.

The seventh commandment tells us that we are to obstain from adultery. We find later on in the New Testament that Jesus expands this command to mean keeping our minds pure from sexual/lustful thoughts about another human being (Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27-29). In the book of proverbs men our told to be filled with love from their own wife (Proverbs 5:18-19). God made men and women to desire intimate relations together, and he gave us a wonderful and perfect way to enjoy them.

When we go outside of these bounds that God has placed around the marriage bed, then we find that sex becomes unpleasurable. While the act may still be enjoyable, the results don't bring happiness. How many young girls do you know that have a baby and no husband? What happened to their lives? Things probably aren't going so easy for them. What about the broken hearts of those who have become involved this intimately and then broke off the relationship? What of the law suits and child support payments to a woman you are no longer with?

Look at the Old Testment account of David. He pursued sex outside of what God gave him, and the son that was born died, the later sons turned against him and each other, and David kills a man to cover up what he had done. Does this sound like fun?

Money

The Proverbs have much to say about money. They tell us that a man's gifts make a way for him before kings, and you can be sure that way involved some payments. They also tell us to work hard that we may be able to afford a nice home and clothes, and a family. God has intended for us to be paid for our work, and has given instructions on paying a worker according to his work and ability. Jesus speaks of a good servant who takes his money and invests it wisely earning a great reward. All of these things and more tell us that God has intened that we earn money and save it up so we can enjoy some nicer things in this life.

We are given stearn warnings however that loving our money will only lead to losing the money we greedily hoarded for ourselves (Ecclesiastes 5:9-11). The more we get and pursue the more we begin to worry about losing it. Will someone steal it? Will someone kill us to take it away? Or, what is most common in our pursuit of wealth, we work away the days with no time for family, friends, or God, instead we work more and more in order that we may have more wealth. Our friends are bought, our family is gone, and we stop thinking about God altogether. Look around you at work some day. How many of those with big checks have had their marriage end in divorce? Those same people, are they always at work, pursuing the next big thing? What enjoyment does this bring?

What about the many get rich quick schemes we see on TV, at the gas station, tacked to a telephone poll? How many people have poured out their savings or taken a loan to get started with their work from home program that ends with only making the program owner wealthier. When we start focusing on making it, and not on just getting by with what the Lord has given us we fall into many foolish traps (1 Timothy 6:9-11).

There is nothing wrong with any of these things. God has given us grapes, and has even commanded that we pass the cup of wine at his table. God has given us sexual desires and has provided a wonderful fulfillment in marriage. God has given us money that we may buy and sell and provide for our families. Yet with each of these things when we put them above him and begin pursuing them above what is prescribed, we find our addiction leads to pain.

I want to live a long, rich and honorable life. I am and will enjoy all of these things that God has given me. What about you? Do you want to enjoy the blessings of these things in a way that will keep you from foolish pain?

The pharisees made fun of Jesus and his commands, but in the end they received the dreadful end of their sins, death for eternity in hell (Luke 16:13-15). Will you go out and drink yourself silly in the name of good time, only to shame yourself, friends and parents? Will you give yourself intimately to any you choose, and wind up with AIDS, broken hearted, or with a fatherless child? Will you pursue money above all else, only to find yourself outspent, without a savings because the stock market crashed, and alone because you have no time for anyone except work?

There is a better way. A way that will allow you to taste all of these beautiful things. A way that leads to peace, joy, and happiness unending. Jesus said he is the way, that we come to heaven through him and that for all eternity. Come and enjoy him.